Kentucky House Speaker looking to increase safety for state police

Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo is looking for ways to increase safety in the field, following the death of KSP Trooper Cameron Ponder.

Stumbo asked for guidance from Kentucky State Police Commissioner Rodney Brewer, to help KSP troopers return home safely each night.

In a letter to Brewer, Stumbo said retired officers and current trainees suggested additional safety features in state police cruisers.

"Retrofitting our cruisers on highway duty with cost effective features such as bullet resistant laminate film may provide an added level of protection for our first responders, and might we have changed the outcome in Trooper Ponder's case," Stumbo said in the letter.

In the letter, Stumbo said the legislature could take up these suggestions in the upcoming budget session.

In addition to asking for more recommendations, Stumbo also offered his condolences.

"All of Kentucky owes a debt of respect and gratitude to the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to make our citizens safe and our communities secure," Stumbo said.

The Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) will activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort and a Regional Response Coordination Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky for the August 21st solar eclipse.

The Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) will activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Frankfort and a Regional Response Coordination Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky for the August 21st solar eclipse.